Childhood Obesity Increases Risk of Heart Disease in Adulthood

Heart disease in adults begins in childhood, according to an article published in this month’s issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology. As part of the Bogalusa Heart Study, researchers tracked the blood pressure and body mass index (a measure of weight adjusted for height) of 1,061 participants from childhood for an average of 28 years. Those who were overweight and had higher blood pressure had a greater risk of heart enlargement, which may lead to heart disease as adults. This study calls for lifestyle changes early in life to prevent heart disease risk factors.